Directors We Want for Comic Book Movies and Shows

It's a great era for comic book movies. It wasn't too long ago that good projects were few and far between, but now there's a handful of them each and every year. That alone is worth celebrating, yes? To make matters even more exciting, the future is looking very bright for comic book movies. Marvel Studios is taking major steps to expand its universe, DC is finally establishing the Justice League, the X-Men are back on the right track, and there's so much more potential elsewhere, too. With so many appealing movies right around the corner, we can't help but think about which directors will be attached to various projects in the years to come. It's pretty unlikely many of the following suggestions will happen (some are far too busy with other movies) and it's unclear if several of these movies will even move forward, but hey, why not have some fun wondering about it, right?

Green Lantern

It's uncertain whether another Green Lantern movie will be made, but if they're expanding the new DC Cinematic Universe and forming a Justice League, we need to hold onto hope they'll give the space cops another shot. If that does happen, Neil Blomkamp seems like the right creator for the job. The man behind District 9 and Elysium has proven he can create great character-driven sci-fi experiences. If Warner Bros. wants someone to help expand this cosmic stage, Blomkamp has proven he can create engaging science fiction and on a limited budget, too. If there's a director in Sector 2814 that can do the Green Lantern mythos justice, I'd have my money on Mr. Blomkamp.

Iron Fist

Iron Fist is heading to Netflix and one director would be a perfect fit: Gareth Evans. The mastermind behind The Raid franchise is without question one of the best action directors out there. He knows how to creatively present action scenes which make you feel every hit and he delivers some of the most clever shots out there (e.g. how the car chase was handled in The Raid 2). He's more than proven he can direct some of the best hand-to-hand fights you'll ever watch, but The Raid 2 also showed he can handle a more lengthy narrative, too. The only potential issue would be how much graphic content Marvel would let him dish out, but given his excellent directing abilities, I'm sure he could find a way to make impactful fights while also not going totally over the top in this regard.

Deadpool

Okay, it's clear Edgar Wright won't be collaborating with Marvel Studios any time soon, but what about Fox? Many directors come to mind while thinking about a Deadpool solo movie (especially Robert Rodriguez and Martin McDonagh), but Edgar Wright's brilliant style would actually be a pretty spectacular fit for Wade Wilson. He's more than capable of filling every scene with a variety of huge laughs (both verbal and physical), doesn't shy away from violence (you've seen Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, right?), and can most certainly handle a focus on a disturbed lead. Plus, The World's End revealed that Wright can do a stellar job creating thrilling and crowd-pleasing melees. We know Wright can bring the funny. We know Wright can bring the action. And we know Wright can bring a compelling story. He's a gifted director and would be a fantastic choice for Deadpool movie. Now it's just a matter of actually getting the ball rolling with the project...

Mystique or Gambit solo

Matthew Vaughn's a mighty fine director. He did a great job bringing Mark Millar and John Romita Jr'sKick-Ass to life in the first film and then he did the seemingly impossible: he put the X-Men franchise back on the right track. After X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, expectations for Fox's mutant franchise took a dive. Vaughn's X-Men Origins: First Class proved there was still hope for the property and it was a thoroughly enjoyable period piece (it's worth adding he had limited time making it, too). Vaughn helped write the very excellent X-Men: Days of Future Past as well. He's invested time in this franchise and has played a key role in expanding it, so he seems like the perfect fit to boost its next big characters: Mystique and Gambit. Wolverine's received plenty of focus and the Professor X/Magneto dynamic continues to unfold well, but with the star power behind these two mutants (Channing Tatum, Jennifer Lawrence), it's obvious they'll begin to expand the role these mutants play. And, if they do indeed move forward with a solo film for either, Vaughn's resume proves he'd be a solid fit.

Black Panther

A Black Panther movie needs to happen. It's as simple as that. The character has such a rich mythos and is downright awesome. His inclusion would definitely bring some more depth to the expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. If you're going to unleash a Black Panther movie, it needs to be really good and generate massive interest in the character. He has the ability to turn into one of the MCU's big heroes, after all. And if you're looking for a well-made and entertaining movie, Brad Bird absolutely has what it takes. His phenomenal work with The Iron Giant and The Incredibles proves he can fit Marvel Studios' style. He can create ridiculously enjoyable material that's full of heart, excitement, and laughs. But if you're afraid he wouldn't make a good transition to live-action or fear he's to family friendly for T'Challa, you should be happy to know he directed Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, a PG-13 action movie which definitely earned its rating at times.

Wonder Woman

If you're going to give Wonder Woman her own movie, it needs to be epic. It has to show the general audience why Wonder Woman's a character that warrants their focus. It also needs to unveil Diana Prince's mystical world and hit us with some major displays of action. Ridley Scott has experience with all of those elements. Blade Runner shows he can craft a character-driven experience in an engrossing and unique world. Gladiator and Black Hawk Down undoubtedly prove he can handle a variety of crazy action scenes. And, since this new DCU has sci-fi elements, let's not forget his work with a little movie called Alien. A Wonder Woman movie needs to drop jaws and Ridley Scott certainly has the potential to do just that. If he were behind this, you can bet it'll have character, worldbuilding, and intensity.

Do you agree with any of these pairings or do you think there's a better director out there for some of these gigs? Don't be shy, share your thoughts with us below!

Guillermo del Toro seems like a better pick for a Wonder Woman movie. Fantasy imagery is what he's famous for.

I don't have him on the list since, last I heard, he's already working on a DC project: Justice League Dark.

I would be surprised if Black Panther doesn't somehow show up in the next CA movie. It is a better fit genre wise. Though with Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver in CA WS it is hard to say who will show up and when.

@k4tzm4n: Yeah, but that was announced years ago and it still hasn't even been greenlit yet. Last November he said they were still writing the script. I'd definitely like to see del Toro tackle DC's magic side, but it seems like something that's going to be stuck in development hell unless WB steps on that pedal.

I can agree with pretty much all these. And Del Toro is already on a DC project? Hell yes.

I think after Del Toro finishes Justice League Dark on even in the meantime of shooting it,he should start making a Wonder WOman movie. He is the perfect fit for a Diana movie.

Wes Anderson for Deadpool. he isn't known for action but his films have some but most importantly he does comedy and fantastical realism well

Definitely agree that Del Toro would do an awesome job on Wonder Woman. The guy's made his fame and living off epic fantasy works so he'd be an almost perfect director for bringing Wonder Woman to the big screen. I'd love to see him tackle the Greek mythology inspired setting of Wonder Woman for certain.

Also, Brad Bird directing a Black Panther movie? (raises eyebrow) I seriously can't get behind that given Bird's past history and directing style. I just can't see him on a BP movie.

I actually wouldn't mind seeing Tarsem Singh do a Wonder Woman movie considering how much I enjoyed Immortals.

It's Princess Diana, not Diana Prince.

@lvenger: Well, what director do you have in mind for a Black Panther project? Keep in mind, it would have to compliment the "Marvel Studios style." I think Bird has what it takes to make T'Challa's solo introduction both exciting and fun -- something that could generate more interest in the character. Then the follow-up can focus on expanding from there and getting into the more intense storylines. But right off the bat, I think they'd need something that would appeal to a huge crowd, and I think Bird has the potential to do that. But obviously you disagree, so I'm curious to see who you'll select.

It's an alias.

@bsaa: isn't that her secret identity though?

I disagree with Del Toro being a good fit for Wonder Woman. I believe he's one of the most talented directors out there, but I see almost no overlap between his fantastic, dark style and the world of Wonder Woman. Ridley Scott, however is spot on.

I think Ridley Scott would be an excellent fit for Wonder Woman. He's already directed one of the most (if not THE most) successful female action lead in film history in Ellen Ripley, as well as Mr. Katzman mentioned, period piece with Gladiator. Even his explorations of mythology in Prometheus could prove valuable.

Also, get Vaughn back in the mix!!!

Antoine Fuqua or F Gary Gray for Luke Cage

Edgar Wright for Deadpool? Only if you like Daniel Way and everything that came after. Otherwise known as Deadpool being turned into the Dane Cook/walking joke of Marvel.

Quentin Tarantino or Robert Rodriguez, please.

@bsaa: Dinan Prince is her civilian identity

@k4tzm4n These are all great picks (not sure about Brad Bird tho). For a Moon Knight film I'd have either Nicolas Winding Refn or Michael Mann.

@the_mast: Tarantino hates superheroes

How about Duncan jones for either aquaman or martian manhunter.

@k4tzm4n: Personally, I think Marvel would risk a maturer take on BP in comparison to their other Marvel films. You wouldn't be able to impress people with Black Panther with a hokier kind of tone. I do think a balanced director would be better, someone like Steve McQueen could be quite a good choice. Granted, he isn't really a studio director but he's directed two critically acclaimed films with Michael Fassbender and until the recent Edgar Wright debacle, Marvel has been on quite good terms with its directors. I'd like to see him take a shot at a BP film.

Moon is terrific and Source Code was surprisingly entertaining. I'd love to see him land more opportunities.

pretty sure thats oliver stone

Is that why he butchered the Superman-Clark Kent dichotomy for in that annoying scene from Kill Bill 2? I love those movies but damn did he ever miss the point of Clark Kent as the representation of Superman's humanity as opposed to Superman's critique on humanity.

Black panther needs to move? Where?

Deadpools current series is the best he has ever had

I'm going to pitch an Elektra film by Takashi Miike. I'm envisioning a film so outrageous and ultra-violent that stories of them cutting some of the bloodletting to achieve an R rating will be written for months before it's release. And an unrated cut that Marvel refuses to release.

Based on what we've seen, Marvel Studios wants their films to be full of spectacle and scattered with laughs. I haven't seen Shame or Hunger (only 12 Years a Slave), but based on what I have witnessed and what I know of the other movies, I don't see how he'd have a positive collaboration with the studio since it's unlikely they'd be willing to change their tone so drastically. And what you call "hokier" I call, well, I said enough in the blurb itself, didn't I? No need to for me to repeat those points, especially since it's an "agree to disagree" scenario. ;) Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject.

No QT has went on record before saying so

@k4tzm4n: Oh don't get me wrong, I like the positive and hokey tone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Far more than its competitor's universe tone in their films, which you know my thoughts on already ;) It's just that the tone got out of hand in Phase 2 with Iron Man 3 and Thor The Dark World being a joke per minute which ruined both films' enjoyment. The Winter Soldier proved that Marvel were willing to do more serious films and getting directors like the Russoe brothers on certain projects like Black Panther would be a perfect balance on a BP movie.

Quentin Tarantino to do the Boys and Scorsese to write whatever the hell he wants.

Neil Blomkamp for a Green Lantern movie? That would be a cool choice since he's really awesome when it comes to sci-fi.

Not only that but if Warner Bros. wanted to make a new Green Lantern movie that had a smaller budget, Neil Blomkamp can do it.

Whedon would actually be the best Wonder Woman fit. Female empowerment is something he's really good at.

Never would happen though.

Scott? Meh. I haven't been impressed since Gladiator. And Blomkamp? Passssss. Distract 9 was good, Elysium was...District 9...again...only worse. Much worse. Jury is out on him until he does another film.

If I'm fan-director-casting a movie I want Woody Allen to do Transmetropolitan. I don't know if he would be able to do the visual setting properly (the studio probably has people who could anyway) but Allen would absolutely nail Spider Jerusalem.

@k4tzm4n: I was under the impression del Toro is working on Justice League Dark on spec.

I disagree, I think Ridley Scott is perfect for Wonder Woman. Marvel is all about fluff over substance and Whedon is good for that. I want Wonder Woman to be an epic film. I like Whedon's TV shows for the most part, but I found Avengers to be pretty boring.

@theblackhood: 100% disagree. Whedon would annihilate a WW movie. His work has plenty of substance. His Serenity film was excellent. Marvel pigeon holing most of their projects isn't his fault.

And like I said. Ridley Scott hasn't done a good film in years. The Counselur? Promethus? Robin Hood? All incredibly mediocre.

I actually forgot he did American Gangster though, he has done some good things since Gladiator but still. This is a what have you done for me lately business and he hasn't impressed me.

Matthew Vaughn on anything would be awesome.

He did a great job bringing Mark Millar and John Romita Jr'sKick-Ass to life in the first film

He sure did, really wish he would have stuck around for the second film. First Class, Kick-Ass, and DOFP all show that he is amazing though.

@allstarsuperman: He didn't direct DOFP. He was one of several writers.

Besides Stardust is his best film anyway. But no one has seen it :p

@jonny_anonymous: one that she hasn't used in decades

Ridley Scott for for a movie about FF

Interesting choices.

I think Blomkamp would be interesting for GL, although I can't imagine how it would be. While Blomkamp does a great job with characters and visuals, both his movies have been commentaries on humanity (as all good sci-fi is). I wonder how a GL film would be absent that focus, or how it would be if he included it. Hence, interesting.

Evan's for Iron Fist seems fine, not necessarily worse or better than many other action directors. I guess he would be interesting since he is unattached to any kind of comic property. Shane Black would I think, be an equally fine choice.

Wright for Deadpool I'm not sure I agree with. His style of blending action and humour worked fine for his previous British films. His previous movies were accessible to all (even the terrible Worlds End), yet still had very British sensibilities. I can see that translating well to Ant-Man, but not so much to Deadpool...a much more 'American' character, if that makes sense...

Vaughn for Mystique or Gambit? Sure, he already knows the characters and has a proven track record.

Not sure about Brad Bird for BP. Bird's films have all been very epic and visually spectacular with large set pieces. Not as familiar with BP, but I would think the focus should be more on the jungle, the character and the combat. Bird would have to reign in his scope quite a lot to make a good BP movie, IMO.

I don't see Ridley Scott as a great choice for Wonder Woman. I think his take would be interesting, but I would rather someone who has more experience with fantasy. Both Alien and Blade Runner are far more realistic than a world of Greek gods, magically hidden islands and super heroes. Since Joss Whedon is out of the running, my ideal choice would probably be Oliver Stone. He has yet to do a comic adaptation, has experience with the ancient Greek civilization (Alexander) and has a flair for expanding characters with very pretty visuals.

Just my 2c.

Sorry, but that isn't true. Taken from SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #8, which was released just last month.

@k4tzm4n@bsaa: And it's been used many times recently besides there. I don't think it's been in her solo book very much if at all since the New 52 but it has been used many times in the last decade for sure, let alone multiple decades.

GASP! To each their own, but man, I love that movie. That said, I'm responding because of your "not necessarily worse or better than many other action directors" line about Evans. Have you watched The Raid and The Raid 2? Personally, I think those are easily the best modern martial arts/action movies out there.

I actually think Lexi Alexander would be a better fit for Deadpool. She directed "Punisher: War Zone" which granted isn't a great film but definitely has a sick sense of humor, and to be honest although I think the second Punisher film with Thomas Jane is the best out of the three films made, War Zone is much more faithful to the comics both in the type of stuff that happens in it and the character himself. She also wrote and directed an unbelievably awesome move called "Green Street Hooligans" which I highly recommend for people to see. It's just so good.

Edgar Wright is a good pick for sure, and he can do violence in a film easy, however Lexi Alexander has a knack for portraying violence in a much more aggressively in your face style than Wright does in my opinion. I feel like that is something you need in a Deadpool movie.

This next one might seem weird, but I genuinely think that, depending on the story, Antoine Fuqua could make an epic Wonder Woman movie. For those who don't know he directed The Replacement Killers, Brooklyn's Finest, Shooter, Training Day, Olympus Has Fallen, Tears of the Sun, and the one that I think most demonstrates his potential for a Wonder Woman movie, King Arthur (the one with Keira Knightly and Clive Owen). He has shown himself to be skilled in capturing both complex emotional scenes as well as some seriously hardcore action sequences. I'm not entirely sure myself why I think he would be able to make stellar Wonder Woman movie, but for some reason that's who I think of whenever it comes up in my mind.

Oh and just throwing this out there The RZA to direct Iron Fist. I mean he's already made one movie about Iron Fist... sort of lol.

Gareth Evans on Iron Fist...

Oh, please make this happen.

I know, and it suffered for it. Kick-Ass > or nearly = First Class, while DOFP is much less, but still good. I'll look up stardust just cause I seem to like his style.

@k4tzm4n: "gags uncontrollably"

What Down syndrome ape thought that was a good idea?

I.......I think my testicles hurt......